Thursday, December 7, 2023

Stirrups World Equestrian Center

Stirrups has become one of our go to places.  We love the restaurant.  From the moment you walk into the hotel you instantly know you are in a very special place.  From the dramatically high ceiling and all of the animal portraits that adorn the lobby to the wonderful appointments all around.

Then you walk into the restaurant and you are blown away.  Those same ceiling and portraits, then you see the grand arena through the huge windows and you simply know you’re in for a treat.   

Once inside you’re sat down in the dining room and met by one of the most if not the most professional staffs in the area.  All dresses sharply in black and white.  Menu’s presented along with the wine list. A note here about the wine list; the wine list is managed by Roland Micu.  He is a Master Sommelier, the only one in the area to my knowledge.  Roland has the distinct honor of being the youngest person to pass the Master Sommelier test on the first try.  And on top of that he is a great guy.  If you have any questions about the list or wines on it he will be tableside to answer any questions, if he is on duty of course.   The list is a study in good, great grand all in one place. All of the countries, regions and appellations of note are represented, all fairly priced and available. 

Cocktails are made with the same precision as the wine lists.  My I recommend the Manhattan made with your favorite Rye whiskey of course.

Now to the food, we always start with the deviled eggs and fried green tomatoes.  Plenty for our table of four to share while we study the menu and listen to the specials.  On our most recent trip I ordered the short rib over polenta. The others ordered the Sweet Corn Ravioli, 24oz. Kanas City Strip, and Shrimp and Grits.  It bears mentioning here that the sides a huge, plenty for four people so we only get one or two.  This trip we got Onion rings and Creamed Corn.

 

All of the food was spot on.  Steak cooked a perfect rare plus as ordered.  The Short Rib fall off the bone tender. The pasta dish was creamy and perfect.  The Shrimp and Grits were perfectly spiced and delicious.  The sides were great I love a good onion ring and theses didn’t disappoint.  Crispy and when you bit into it and the breading stayed on the remaining onion ring and didn’t come off a true test of a perfect onion ring.  The cream corn was great creamy and made of fresh corn and tasted like it was made to order and not off a steam table.

We received a complimentary dessert as it was my wife’s birthday we all shared an enjoyed.

I highly recommend eating here.  Here are a few details to help you along the way of getting to this gem.  Click on the name and it takes you to the website.

All of the staff is top notch but we especially love Talton.  Ask for him and get ready to have some fun.

Stirrups Restaurant

8510 NW 17 Lane, Ocala, FL 34482 | 352.414.7864

Hours of Operation:

Breakfast: Monday-Friday 6:30am-11am | Brunch: Saturday -Sunday: 6:30am-1pm

Dinner: Sunday-Thursday 5-9pm | Friday-Saturday 5-10pm

 

Reviewer pays 100% for food and drink and is unannounced as a reviewer 

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